Pedestals

ABSTRACT

A pedestal comprising a pedestal base whose upper surface defines at least two pairs of open channels. Each pair of open channels is sized and spaced so that a support member of constant cross-section can be slidably fitted into the pair of channels. The pairs of channels are positioned so that, when a straight support member is fitted into each pair of channels, all the support members are parallel to each other and form a platform for supporting objects. The pedestals are particularly useful in the catering and hospitality industry for supporting food and beverage containers, tableware, flower vases and sculptures.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of our copendingapplication Ser. No. 10/117,686, filed Apr. 5, 2003. application Ser.No. 10/117,686 is a continuation-in-part of, and claims priority under35 U.S.C. 120 from, U.S. application Ser. No. 09/905,702, now abandoned,filed Aug. 2, 2001, which resulted from the conversion under 37 CFR 1.59(c) (3) of provisional application Serial No. 60/310,138, filed Aug. 2,2001, by Petra Reed, into a non-provisional application. The disclosureof each of the above-identified applications is incorporated herein byreference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to pedestals. The term “pedestal” is usedherein to denote a structure which can be placed on the earth, on thefloor of a building, or on an elevated surface (for example a buffet orother table, sideboard or desk) and which will support objects (e.g.tableware of all kinds) placed on top of the pedestal. For example,pedestals are widely used in the catering and hospitality industry tosupport serving dishes, containers, platters, trays, jugs, glasses,bottles, cutlery, ice sculptures and flower vases at positions chosenfor functional and/or decorative reasons.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] We have discovered, in accordance with the present invention, newand useful pedestals comprising a pedestal base and a plurality of (i.e.two or more) support members fitted into channels in the upper surfaceof the pedestal base. In most uses, the pedestal base has a lowersurface resting on the floor or on a table or other elevated surface,and an upper surface which, with the support members, can supportobjects on top of the pedestal. Where reference is made herein to upper,lower, vertical, horizontal etc., those references assume that thepedestal base is being used in this way.

[0004] The pedestals of the invention can be easily assembled anddisassembled, and the invention includes new and useful kits containingone or more pedestal bases and a plurality of support members which canbe assembled with the pedestal base(s) to form the new and usefulpedestals of the invention. The components of a kit can be packed intoany suitable container, optionally having compartments for differentcomponents, for example a fabric bag. A kit comprising a plurality ofseparate pedestal bases and support members can be assembled into a widevariety of pedestals of different functionalities, shapes, dimensionsand decorative appearances. The invention makes it possible for users totransport a kit of relatively small dimensions to, for example, aparticular catering or display event, and to construct, on site, one ormore pedestals adapted to the particular requirements of the event.After the event, the pedestal(s) can be easily disassembled, cleaned(for example in commercial washing facilities) and repacked as a compactkit for transport to storage or to another event.

[0005] Many of the pedestal bases used in the pedestals of the presentinvention are novel in their own right, and form part of the presentinvention.

[0006] We have also discovered new, original and ornamental designs forpedestal bases and for pedestals.

[0007] In a first aspect, this invention provides a pedestal whichcomprises

[0008] (1) a pedestal base having an upper surface which defines atleast two pairs of open channels, each pair of open channels being sizedand spaced so that a straight support member of constant cross sectioncan be slidably fitted into the pair of channels, with a midsection ofthe support member lying between the open channels and having an openspace underneath it, and the pairs of channels being placed on the uppersurface so that, when a straight support member is fitted into each pairof channels, the support members are parallel to each other; and

[0009] (2) at least two support members, each support member beingfitted into one of the pairs of channels in the upper surface of thepedestal base.

[0010] One or more of each pair of channels can optionally haveassociated therewith at least one additional channel which is sized andspaced so that a support member slidably fitted into the pair ofchannels can also be slidably fitted into the additional channel(s). Theadditional channel or channels can be in the same pedestal base or adifferent pedestal base.

[0011] The term “slidably fitted” is used herein to mean that, when thepedestal base is upright, with the open channels exposed, straightsupport members of constant cross section can be placed in respectivepairs of the channels, and are supported by the channels so that theposition of each support member can be changed by sliding the supportmember within the channels. The term “comprises” is used herein in itsnormal sense in patent law to mean that other components are optionallypresent.

[0012] In a second aspect, this invention provides a kit comprising oneor more pedestal bases and a plurality of support members which can befitted onto the pedestal base(s) to assemble one or more pedestalsaccording to the invention.

[0013] In a third aspect, this invention provides a novel pedestal basewhich comprises a hollow tube having an upper peripheral surface and alower peripheral surface, the upper peripheral surface including atleast two pairs of open channels, each pair of open channels being sizedand spaced around the peripheral surface so that a straight supportmember of constant cross-section can be slidably fitted into the pair ofchannels, and the pairs of channels being spaced around the upperperipheral surface so that, when a straight support member is fittedinto each pair of channels, all the support members are parallel to eachother. The tube can have any cross-section, for example a circular,oval, square or other regular cross section, or an irregular crosssection, and can have a constant or varying cross-section. The tube canhave a closed cross-section throughout its length or it can includeadditional channels which are not used to accommodate support membersand which extend, axially or otherwise, from one or both peripheries.The tube can also include a slot which extends from one periphery to theother, so that no part of the tube has a closed cross-section. Forexample, the pedestal base can be part of a tube having aparallelogramatic (for example rectangular) cross-section. In oneembodiment, the pedestal base consists essentially of only two of theadjacent walls of such a parallelogramatic tube. The two adjacent wallsof such a tube can meet at a sharp or rounded apex. Such a base can alsohave open channels formed in the apex at which the adjacent walls meet,so that alternatively two such bases can be placed with their axeshorizontal, and support members slidably placed in the open channels inthe apices of the bases in accordance with the invention.

[0014] In a fourth aspect, this invention provides a novel pedestal basewhich comprises two or more separably interlocking wall members whichtogether provide (i) a lower surface (including a plurality ofspaced-apart lower surfaces) which can rest stably on a flat surface and(ii) an upper surface which includes at least two pairs of openchannels, each pair of open channels being sized and spaced on the uppersurface so that a straight support member of constant cross-section canbe slidably fitted into the pair of channels, and the pairs of channelsbeing positioned on the upper surface so that, when a straight supportmember is fitted into each pair of channels, all the support members areparallel to each other. The wall members can be parallelepipeds,preferably substantially rectangular parallelepipeds. One or more of thewall members can be of less height than the wall members having the openchannels, thus serving to locate the wall members having the openchannels in desired positions. The wall members are separable, i.e. canbe disassembled from the interlocking configuration into individualcomponents, e.g. for cleaning and storage. In some cases, the wallmembers can be interlocked in different configurations to providepedestal bases of different sizes and shapes.

[0015] In a fifth aspect, this invention provides a novel pedestal basewhich comprises (i) a lower surface (including a plurality ofspaced-apart lower surfaces) which can rest stably on a flat surface and(ii) an undulating (including sawtooth) upper surface which includes atleast two pairs of open channels, each pair of open channels being sizedand spaced on the undulating upper surface so that a straight supportmember of constant cross-section can be slidably fitted into the pair ofchannels, and the pairs of channels being positioned on the uppersurface so that, when a straight support member is fitted into each pairof channels, all the support members are parallel to each other. Theundulations in the upper surface can be such that tops of theundulations all lie in the same plane, so that the upper surface, viewedfrom the side, is flat, and is preferably horizontal. Alternatively oradditionally, the undulations can be such that the upper surface, viewedfrom the side, is corrugated, with the channels in the upper surfaces ofthe corrugations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings. FIGS.1-8 and 44-58 primarily illustrate the utility (functional)characteristics of the invention. FIGS. 9-43 primarily illustrate theornamental design characteristics of particular embodiments of theinvention. In FIGS. 9-16, the support members are shown in broken linesin order to illustrate the ornamental design characteristics ofparticular embodiments of pedestal bases of the invention, in theabsence of the support members.

[0017] FIGS. 1-3 are perspective, top and side views of a first pedestalof the invention;

[0018]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a pedestal base of the thirdaspect of the invention having an apertured cap fitted thereon;

[0019]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an apertured accessory for fittingon top of a pedestal base having support members extending partiallyacross the top thereof;

[0020]FIGS. 6 and 7 are cross-sectional views of cylindrical pedestalbases of the third aspect of the invention comprising first and secondtubular members and a tubular linking member placed between the firstand second tubular members, so that they can be rotated relative to eachother;

[0021]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a pedestal of the inventionincluding three pedestal bases;

[0022] FIGS. 9-13 are perspective, top, bottom, front and side views ofa first pedestal base of the third aspect of the invention, the rearview being the same as the front view, with the support members depictedin broken lines so as to illustrate the design features of the pedestalbase on its own;

[0023] FIGS. 14-16 are perspective, front and side views of a secondpedestal base of the third aspect of the invention, the rear view beingthe same as the front view, and the front and side views being the sameas the front and side views of the pedestal base shown in FIGS. 9-13;the pedestal base of FIGS. 14-16 is similar to, but not as tall as, thepedestal base shown in FIGS. 9-13; and, as in FIGS. 9-13, the supportmembers are depicted in broken lines so as to illustrate the designfeatures of the pedestal base on its own;

[0024] FIGS. 17-21 are perspective, top, bottom, front and side views ofa first pedestal of the invention, the rear view being the same as thefront view;

[0025] FIGS. 22-24 are perspective, front and side views of a secondpedestal of the invention which is similar to, but not as tall as, thepedestal shown in FIGS. 17-21, the top and bottom views being the sameas FIGS. 18 and 19.

[0026] FIGS. 25-29 are perspective, top, bottom, front and side views ofa third pedestal base of the invention, the rear view being the same asthe front view, with the support members depicted in broken lines so asto illustrate the design features of the pedestal base on its own;

[0027] FIGS. 30-34 are perspective, top, bottom, front and side views ofa third pedestal of the invention, the rear view being the same as thefront view;

[0028] FIGS. 35-38 are perspective, top, bottom and front views of afourth pedestal of the invention, the side view being the same as thefront view;

[0029] FIGS. 39-43 are perspective, top, bottom, front and side views ofa fifth pedestal of the invention;

[0030] FIGS. 44-46 are top, side and end views of a sixth pedestal ofthe invention;

[0031]FIG. 47 is a top view of a seventh pedestal of the invention;

[0032] FIGS. 48-49 are side and end views of an eighth pedestal of theinvention;

[0033]FIG. 50 is a plan view of a ninth pedestal of invention;

[0034]FIGS. 51 and 52 are side views of separably interlocking pedestalbase members which can be assembled to provide the pedestal base for thepedestal shown in FIG. 50;

[0035]FIG. 53 is a plan view of a tenth pedestal of the invention;

[0036]FIGS. 54 and 55 are cross-sections taken on lines LIV-LIV andLV-LV of FIG. 3 without the support members;

[0037]FIG. 56 is a plan view of a pedestal base of the third aspect ofthe invention;

[0038]FIG. 57 is an end view of a pedestal of the invention comprisingtwo pedestal bases as shown in FIG. 56 and support members fitted intothe open channels in the apices of the pedestal bases; and

[0039]FIG. 58 is an end view of a pedestal of the invention comprising apedestal base as shown in FIG. 56 and support members fitted into thechannels in the ends of the pedestal bases.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0040] In the Summary of the Invention above, in the DetailedDescription of the Invention, and the claims below, and in theaccompanying drawings, reference is made to particular features of theinvention. It is to be understood that the disclosure of the inventionin this specification includes all possible combinations of suchparticular features. For example, where a particular feature isdisclosed in the context of a particular aspect or embodiment of theinvention, or a particular drawing or a particular claim, that featurecan also be used, to the extent possible, in combination with and/or inthe context of other particular aspects, embodiments, drawings or claimsof the invention, and in the invention generally.

[0041] Pedestal Bases

[0042] The pedestal base used in the first aspect of the invention canbe of any form which can provide the defined pairs of open channels. Forexample, the pedestal base can comprise

[0043] (a) a tube of closed cross-section;

[0044] (b) a tube of open cross-section;

[0045] (c) two or more wall members, each preferably having the sameheight, for example a first wall member comprising a plurality of firstopen channels and a second wall member comprising a plurality of secondopen channels, each of the first open channels forming, with one of thesecond open channels, one of the defined pairs of channels; such wallmembers can be separate or interlocked or otherwise secured together.Such wall members, if secured together, are preferably secured in such away that they can be easily disassembled for cleaning and storage; or

[0046] (d) a pedestal base according to the fourth or fifth aspect ofthe invention.

[0047] The pedestal base preferably provides least three pairs,particularly at least four pairs, for example 5, 6 or 7 pairs, butgenerally not more than 12 pairs, for example not more than 8 pairs, ofopen channels. In some embodiments of the invention, the upper surfaceof the pedestal base provides channels, but the lower surface does not.In other embodiments, both the upper surface and the lower surfaceinclude channels. Each pair of open channels is sized and positioned onthe upper surface so that a straight support member of constantcross-section can be slidably fitted into the pair of channels.Preferably, all the open channels have cross-sections such that supportmembers of the same cross-section can be slidably fitted into each ofthem. The pairs of channels are positioned so that when a straightsupport member is slidably fitted into each pair of channels, all thesupport members are parallel to each other, and preferably so that thesupport members are equally spaced from each other.

[0048] The two channels making up a pair of channels are often mirrorimages of each other, and the dimensions of the pairs of channels dependin part on the angular relationship between the surface and the supportmember. For example, if a support member crossing a cylindrical pedestalbase forms a chord at, or close to, a diameter of the base, the channelsinto which the support member is fitted preferably have an opencross-section whose width (i.e. horizontal dimension measured around thecylinder) is slightly larger than the width of the support member(measured at right angles to its axis). But if the support member formsa chord at or close to a tangent to the interior surface of the pedestalbase, the channels have an open cross-section whose width (i.e.horizontal dimension measured around the cylinder) is much larger thanthe width of the support member (measured at right angles to its axis).

[0049] Often, the upper surface of the pedestal base, except where it isinterrupted by the channels, lies in a single, preferably horizontal,plane. Similarly, the lower surface of the pedestal base preferably alsolies in a single, preferably horizontal, plane. However, it is alsopossible for one or both of the surfaces to be irregular, for example tohave a repeating waveform. Any irregularity in the upper surfacepreferably does not cause the upper surface to extend above the uppersurface of the support members. Any irregularity in the lower surfacepreferably does not prevent the lower surface from resting stably on aflat, preferably horizontal, surface. It is possible for one or both ofthe upper and lower surfaces to lie in a plane which is not horizontal,for example when the pedestal base is to be placed upon a surface ofknown and regular slope, or when it is desirable for the upper surfacesof the support members to lie in a plane inclined to the horizontal.

[0050] In some embodiments, the pedestal base is a hollow tube having aclosed cross-section throughout its height, except for theirregularities caused by the channels. In other embodiments, the wall ofthe tube has apertures therein. In one embodiment, the apertures aresized and placed so that the pedestal base can be easily handled by auser and/or so that useful accessories can be hooked onto the interioror exterior of the tube. In this embodiment, preferably there are threeto six apertures, particularly four apertures, which are of the samesize and are uniformly spaced around the tube. The apertures can forexample be substantially identical rectangles with rounded corners, eachrectangle having a height which is 0.1 to 0.9 times, e.g. 0.1 to 0.5times, preferably 0.15 to 0.4 times, the height of the tube, and whosecombined width (measured around the walls of the tube) is 0.3 to 0.95times, e.g. 0.6 to 0.95 times, preferably 0.7 to 0.9 times, thecircumference of the tube.

[0051] In another embodiment, at least 2 pairs of apertures, preferablyat least 3 pairs of apertures, for example 5, 6 or 7 pairs of apertures,are sized and placed in the wall of the pedestal base so that additionalsupport members (whose cross-section may be the same as or differentfrom the cross-section of the support members placed in the channels inthe upper surface) can be inserted through each pair of apertures toform a platform within the pedestal base. Such a platform can be used,for example, to support a solid fuel heater or an ice tray or bucket, inorder to heat or cool a serving dish placed on the support members or ona cap placed on top of the pedestal base in place of the supportmembers; optionally, such a cap is apertured.

[0052] Alternatively or additionally, the apertures can serve adecorative purpose.

[0053] The pedestal base can also include additional channels which arenot used to accommodate support members, and which extend, axially orotherwise, from one or both peripheries. The pedestal base can alsoinclude a slot which extends from the top surface to the bottom surface,so that the pedestal base has an open cross-section throughout itsheight.

[0054] When the pedestal base is tubular, it can have any cross-section,for example a circle (which is preferred), oval, square or other regularcross-section, or an irregular cross-section. The cross-section of thetube is preferably constant. However, the cross-section, and/or thedimensions of the cross-section, of the tube can change, regularly orirregularly, along the axis of the tube.

[0055] It is possible for the pedestal base to have open channels in itslower surface as well as its upper surface, in which case the openchannels can be such that support members placed in the upper surfaceare parallel to, or at an angle to, for example a right angle to,support members placed in the lower surface.

[0056] In some embodiments the pedestal base comprises a singlemonolithic article or a single article composed of a plurality ofcomponents in contact with each other. In the latter case, thecomponents can be side-by-side and/or one on top of the other, and canbe secured together, for example, by gravitational forces and/or byinterlocking members and/or by clips, catches, hinges, bolts, screws, orother mechanical or magnetic means. In one embodiment, the pedestal basecomprises two or more cylindrical members having substantially the samediameter and the same or different heights selected to make a pedestalbase of desired height. In another embodiment, the pedestal basecomprises two or more wall members, each wall member having the sameheight as the finished pedestal base and the wall members being secured,e.g. interlocked, together.

[0057] In one embodiment, the pedestal base comprises two or moremembers, preferably tubular members, which lie on top of each other andwhich can be rotated relative to each other about the axis of thepedestal base. This makes it possible to align the support members in adesired direction. This is desirable for ease of assembly whenassembling a pedestal that includes two or more pedestal bases, and forrotating a pedestal having a single pedestal base so that a servingdish, flower vase, ice sculpture or other object placed thereon can beoriented in a desired direction. This also makes it possible to assemblea pedestal base from which sets of support members can extend atdifferent levels in directions at angles, for example at right angles,to each other. In one example of this embodiment, one of the tubularmembers has an exterior lip and the other has an interior lip, and thelips fit rotatably to each other. In another example of this embodiment,the pedestal base comprises a lower tubular member, an upper tubularmember, and a tubular linking member between the lower and upper tubularmembers. For example, the tubular linking member preferably comprises

[0058] (i) a radial section which extends between the upper and lowermembers, and

[0059] (ii) a tubular section having an upper portion which is adjacentto but spaced apart from the upper tubular member and a lower portionwhich is adjacent to but spaced apart from the lower tubular member.

[0060] The tubular section maintains the upper and lower members inplace. It can surround at least part of the exterior wall of theperiphery of one of the upper or lower members and/or at least part ofthe interior wall of the periphery of the other one of the upper andlower members. The radial section can comprise friction-reducing means,for example one or more ball bearings, for example a ball race, so thatthe upper and lower members are more easily rotatable relative to eachother.

[0061] The pedestal base can be of any suitable dimensions. When thebase is a cylindrical tube, as is preferred, its exterior diameter canfor example be 4 to 24, preferably 8 to 16, in.; its height can forexample be 3 to 60 in., e.g. 3 to 24 in, preferably 4 to 12 inches, forexample about 6 in. or about 9 in.; and the ratio of its exteriordiameter to its height can for example be 0.6 to 4.0, preferably 1.0 to2.8. When the base is not cylindrical, Its exterior circumference canfor example be from 12 to 75, preferably 25 to 50, in.; its height canfor example be 3 to 60, preferably 4 to 12, in.; and the ratio of itsexterior circumference to its height can be for example 2.0 to 12.6,preferably 3.1 to 9.0. The wall thickness of the tube can be for example0.1 to 1, preferably 0.2 to 0.5, in.

[0062] Support Members

[0063] The pedestals of the first aspect of the invention include atleast two support members. The dimensions of the support members and ofthe channels in the pedestal base into which they fit should becorrelated so that straight support members can be slidably fitted intothe channels.

[0064] The cross-section of the support members and the height of theopen channels in the pedestal base are preferably correlated so that thetop surfaces of the support members lie in a single plane, generally butnot necessarily a horizontal plane.

[0065] In some embodiments of the invention, no part of the pedestalbase extends above the top surface of the support members. In thisembodiment, preferably a horizontal plane containing the top surfaces ofthe support members is substantially higher than a horizontal planecontaining the upper surface of the pedestal base; for example, thedistance between the planes can be 0.3 to 0.7 times the height of thesupport members. For example, the distance can be such that a secondpedestal base, preferably a pedestal base having a channel-containingupper surface identical to the channel-containing upper surface of thefirst pedestal base) can be placed “upsidedown” on top of the supportmembers and can be slid along the support members, for example so thatthe axes of the two pedestals coincide.

[0066] In other embodiments of the invention, the periphery of thepedestal base, except where it is interrupted by the open channels,extends above the top surfaces of the support members, thus forming arim which helps to prevent dishes or other objects placed on the supportmembers from being pushed off the pedestal.

[0067] The support members can have any cross-section which enables themto be fitted, preferably slidably fitted, into the open channels.Preferably all the support members have the same cross-section.Preferably the support members have a cross-section having three or moreequal sides so that it is not necessary to rotate the member in order toachieve the right orientation for the open channel. It is alsopreferred, in order to enhance the lateral stability of the supportmembers, once they have been placed in the open channels, that each sideof the support member has a vertical section adjacent to a verticalsection of the channel, for example a square, hexagonal or octagonalcross-section. A square cross-section is particularly preferred.

[0068] Preferably all the support members are straight. However,although, as noted above, the open channels in the pedestal base must besuch that they will accept a plurality of straight members, it is notnecessary that each, or even any, of the support members is straightthroughout its length. It is preferred, however, that each supportmember comprises straight sections which can be slidably fitted into theopen channels. The support members can also include location devicesintended to make it easier to achieve desired configurations.

[0069] The support members can have any suitable dimensions. When thesupport member has a square cross-section, each side of the square canfor example be 0.25 to 3, or 0.25 to 2, preferably 0.5 to 1.5, in. long.When the support member has a different cross-section, the peripherallength of the cross-section can for example be 0.75 to 12, preferably 2to 6, in. The length of each support member must be sufficient that itis supported in at least two channels of a pedestal base. Thus, for apedestal having a single tubular pedestal base, the length of eachsupport member is generally at least 1.1 times, preferably at least 1.2times, for example 1.2 to 2.0 times, the largest horizontal dimension ofthe pedestal base.

[0070] The distance between the adjacent support members should be smallenough to ensure that objects likely to be placed on the pedestal willbe stably supported by the support members. Thus, this distance isgenerally not more than 2.5 in., preferably not more than 2.0 in., forexample 0.25 to 2.5 in., preferably 1.0 to 2.0 in.

[0071] The support members can be a solid and/or hollow. They can alsobe telescopic.

[0072] Pedestals Including Two or More Pedestal Bases

[0073] The pedestals of the present invention can include two or morepedestal bases. In such pedestals, each support member is preferablyslidably fitted into a pair of open channels in each base pedestal.However it is also possible for one or more (including all) of thesupport members to be slidably fitted into a pair of open channels inone pedestal base and a single open channel in another pedestal base. Asnoted above, when the support members are fitted into a single openchannel in each of two or more separate articles, the separate articlestogether constitute a single pedestal base.

[0074] In one embodiment, a pedestal comprises

[0075] (1) a first base pedestal which includes open channels in itsupper periphery,

[0076] (2) a second base pedestal which includes open channels in itsupper periphery and is spaced apart from the first base pedestal, andwhich is preferably identical to the first base pedestal, and

[0077] (3) a plurality of support members, at least some of which areslidably fitted into a pair of open channels in the first base pedestaland into a pair of open channels in the second base pedestal.

[0078] Such a pedestal can further comprise a third base pedestal whoselower periphery includes open channels which are slidably fitted ontothe plurality of support members (3). In another embodiment, a pedestalcomprises

[0079] (1) a first base pedestal having open channels in its uppersurface,

[0080] (2) a second base pedestal having open channels in its lowersurface and whose axis is substantially the same as the axis of thefirst base pedestal, and

[0081] (3) a plurality of support members, each of which is slidablyfitted into a pair of open channels in the first base pedestal and intoa pair of open channels in the second base pedestal.

[0082] Pedestal Bases Including Accessories

[0083] The pedestal bases of the invention can also be used to supportaccessories in addition to, or in place of, the support members. Forexample, apertures in the wall of a pedestal, or ledges or hooks on theinterior or exterior wall of a pedestal, can be used to support icetrays or sources of heat in order to cool or to heat food placed on thesupport members. Other useful accessories can be supported by the uppersurface of the pedestal base. Such accessories can be used in place ofor in addition to the support members. One such accessory is a cap thatfits over the upper periphery of the pedestal base, for example so as toconceal any channels therein, to provide a solid or apertured cover overpart or all of the base. A second such accessory has arms that fit intochannels in the upper periphery of the base, to provide a solid orapertured support surface over part or all of the base, the supportsurface being above, level with, or below the periphery. A third suchaccessory is used in conjunction with support members that extend onlypart of the way across the base, and has arms that fit between thesupport members and rest on top of the periphery of the base, preferablyproviding, with the support members, a substantially continuous supportsurface. When the accessory is apertured, this converts the pedestalbase into a pedestal within which can be placed a source of heat, forexample a solid fuel heater, and which then serves as a grill or as ahot plate for keeping food hot.

[0084] The pedestals of the invention can also include accessories whichhave

[0085] (a) lower portions designed to engage, optionally slidably, theupper surface of at least one support member, so that the accessory issupported on top of the support member, or

[0086] (b) upper portions designed to engage, optionally slidably, atleast one support member which extends between two pedestal bases, sothat the accessory hangs below the support member.

[0087] Such an accessory can serve to support two or more additionalsupport members which extend at an angle, for example a right angle, tothe support members engaged by the accessory.

[0088] Materials for the Pedestal Bases and Support Members.

[0089] The pedestal bases and support members can be made of anymaterial having properties suitable for the way in which the pedestal isto be used. For general-purpose use, metal is a preferred material.However, it is also possible to use natural or synthetic polymericmaterials, or wood, to obtain particular functional or aesthetic resultsand/or to strike an economic compromise between cost and performance.High melting synthetic polymers, for example polyphenylene sulfides andpolyether ether ketones, can be used when a heat resistant pedestal isneeded. Other materials that can be used, when their properties aresuitable for the way in which the pedestal is to be used, include rigidpolyvinyl chloride, polymethyl methacrylate, acrylate resins, liquidcrystal polyesters, polycarbonates and cellulosic materials, for examplecorrugated paper products. Preferably, the material has a matte finish,so that it does not show fingerprints, is resistant to staining by foodand beverages, and is resistant to detergents and other materials usedin commercial washing systems. We prefer to use aluminum which has beenfinished so that it has a gray, metallic appearance.

[0090] Preferably, the pedestal bases and support members are free ofcrevices which might trap food or bacteria; for this reason, thepresence of screws in the pedestals and support members is preferablyavoided.

[0091] Referring now to the drawings, like components are referred to bythe same reference numerals in FIGS. 1-8 and 44-49. The other Figures donot contain reference numerals because they illustrate ornamental designcharacteristics

[0092] In FIGS. 1-3, a pedestal comprises a cylindrical pedestal base 1having a lower periphery 11, an upper periphery 12 and apertures 14,which are the same size and uniformly spaced around the base. The upperperiphery 12 includes six pairs of open channels 121, and a supportmember 2 of square cross-section is slidably fitted into each pair ofchannels.

[0093] In FIG. 4, a cap 3 containing a plurality of apertures 31 isfitted over the top of a pedestal base 1 as shown in FIGS. 1-3, insteadof the support members.

[0094]FIG. 5 shows an accessory 4 for fitting on top of a pedestal base1 as shown in FIGS. 1-3 when there are support members which extendalmost half way across the pedestal base, from one side only as shownfor example in FIG. 8, or from both sides. The accessory comprises fiveparallel arms 41 which are joined together by a central rib 42. The arms41 have a length such that they rest on top of the upper periphery 12 ofthe pedestal base 1 and a width such that they fit between the supportmembers.

[0095]FIGS. 6 and 7 show cylindrical pedestal bases of the inventioncomprising a lower tubular member 5 and an upper tubular member 1 whichis similar to the pedestal base shown in FIG. 1, except that it does notcontain apertures. A tubular linking member 6 is placed between thetubular members 1 and 5, and permits them to be rotated relative to eachother. The linking member 6 includes a radial section 61 which extendsbetween the tubular members 1 and 5. In FIG. 6, the remainder of thelinking member lies within the tubular members 5 and 6. In FIG. 7, theremainder of the linking member lies outside the tubular members 5 and6.

[0096]FIG. 8 shows a pedestal of the invention including two lowerpedestal bases 1A and 1B, an upper “upside-down” pedestal base 1C, andsix support members 2, which are slidably fitted into channels in, andextend a little less than half way across, the two lower pedestal bases1A and 1B. The upper pedestal base 1C is placed on top of the supportbars and can be slid from the position shown from one side of thepedestal to the other.

[0097] FIGS. 44-46 show a pedestal of the invention and comprising apedestal base composed of three separate wall members 1A, 1B and 1C,each having four open channels and its upper surface. Four supportmembers 2 are slidably fitted into the open channels.

[0098]FIG. 47 shows a pedestal of the invention comprising a serpentinemonolithic pedestal base 1 having 20 open channels in its upper surface.Four support members 2 are slidably fitted into the open channels. Theend view of FIG. 47 is the same as FIG. 46.

[0099] FIGS. 48-49 show a pedestal of the invention comprising abridge-shaped pedestal base 1 having twelve open channels in itsundulating upper surface. Four support members 2 are slidably fittedinto the open channels.

[0100] FIGS. 53-55 show a pedestal of the invention in which thepedestal base is a tube having an open cross-section formed by twointerlocking wall members 1A and 1B.

[0101]FIG. 56 shows a pedestal base of the invention which is a tubehaving an open cross-section and having open channels in the apex and inthe upper and lower peripheries. Two or more such bases can be used withtheir axes horizontal so that the open channels in the apices of thebases can slidably receive support members in accordance with theinvention, as shown in FIG. 57, or one or more such bases can be usedwith the axis vertical, so that the open channels in either or both ofthe upper and lower peripheries can slidably receive support members inaccordance with the invention, as shown in FIG. 58.

[0102] Insofar as the Summary of Invention and Detailed Descriptionabove, and the accompanying drawings, disclose any additional inventionwhich is not within the scope of the claims below, we do not dedicatesuch additional invention to the public and we reserve the right to fileone or more continuing applications to claim such additional invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A pedestal which comprises (1) a pedestal basehaving an upper surface which defines at least two pairs of openchannels, each pair of open channels being sized and spaced so that astraight support member of constant cross section can be slidably fittedinto the pair of channels, with a midsection of the support member lyingbetween the open channels and having an open space underneath it, andthe pairs of channels being placed on the upper surface so that, when astraight support member is fitted into each pair of channels, thesupport members are parallel to each other; and (2) at least two supportmembers, each support member being fitted into one of the pairs ofchannels in the upper surface of the pedestal base.
 2. A pedestalaccording to claim 1 wherein the pedestal base comprises a hollow tubehaving an upper peripheral surface which defines the pairs of openchannels and a lower peripheral surface.
 3. A pedestal according toclaim 2 wherein the hollow tube is cylindrical and the upper and lowerperipheral surfaces lie in parallel planes.
 4. A pedestal according toclaim 3 wherein the pedestal base comprises two or more tubular memberswhich can be rotated relative to each other about the axis of thepedestal base.
 5. A pedestal according to claim
 4. wherein the pedestalbase comprises a lower tubular member, an upper tubular member, and atubular linking member which (a) lies between the lower and uppertubular members, (b) comprises (i) a radial section which extendsbetween the upper and lower members, and (ii) a tubular section havingan upper portion which is adjacent to but spaced apart from the uppertubular member and a lower portion which is adjacent to but spaced apartfrom the lower tubular member.
 6. A pedestal according to claim 2wherein the hollow tube has an open cross-section throughout its height.7. A pedestal according to claim 1 wherein the pedestal base comprisestwo spaced-apart wall members, each wall member having one of the openchannels of each pair of channels.
 8. A pedestal according to claim 1wherein the pedestal base comprises an undulating upper surface whichincludes the pairs of open channels.
 9. A pedestal according to claim 8wherein the upper surface is corrugated.
 10. A pedestal according toclaim 2 wherein the pedestal base comprises two or more separablyinterlocking wall members.
 11. A pedestal according to claim 1 whereinthe pedestal base comprises at least 4 pairs of channels, the number ofthe support members is equal to the number of pairs of channels; each ofthe support members is a straight support member slidably fitted intoone of the pairs of channels; the support members have the same crosssection; and the top surfaces of the support member lie in the samehorizontal plane.
 12. A pedestal according to claim 11 wherein thesupport members have a square cross-section
 13. A pedestal according toclaim 11 wherein the support members have a round cross-section.
 14. Apedestal according to claim 1 which comprises (1) a first base pedestalwhich has the pairs of open channels in its upper surface, (2) a secondbase pedestal which has the pairs of open channels in its upperperiphery and which is spaced apart from the first base pedestal, and(3) a plurality of straight support members each of which is slidablyfitted into a pair of open channels in the first base pedestal and intoa pair of open channels in the second base pedestal.
 15. A pedestalaccording to claim 14 which comprises an upper member having a lowerperipheral surface including at least two pairs of open channels whichare sized and spaced so that the upper member is slidably fitted on topof the support members.
 16. A kit of parts which comprises a pedestalbase as defined in claim 1 and support members as defined in claim 1.17. A pedestal base which comprises a hollow tube having an upperperipheral surface and a lower peripheral surface, the upper peripheralsurface including at least two pairs of open channels, each pair of openchannels being sized and spaced around the peripheral surface so that astraight support member of constant cross-section can be slidably fittedinto the pair of channels, and the pairs of channels being spaced aroundthe upper peripheral surface so that, when a straight support member isfitted into each pair of channels, all the support members are parallelto each other.
 18. A pedestal base which comprises (i) a lower surfacewhich can rest stably on a flat surface and (ii) an undulating uppersurface which includes at least two pairs of open channels, each pair ofopen channels being sized and spaced on the undulating upper surface sothat a straight support member of constant cross-section can be slidablyfitted into the pair of channels, and the pairs of channels beingpositioned on the upper surface so that, when a straight support memberis fitted into each pair of channels, all the support members areparallel to each other.
 19. A pedestal base which comprises two or moreseparably interlocking wall members which together provide (i) a lowersurface which can rest stably on a flat surface and (ii) an uppersurface which includes at least two pairs of open channels, each pair ofopen channels being sized and spaced on the upper surface so that astraight support member of constant cross-section can be slidably fittedinto the pair of channels, and the pairs of channels being positioned onthe upper surface so that, when a straight support member is fitted intoeach pair of channels, all the support members are parallel to eachother.
 20. The ornamental design for a pedestal base as shown anddescribed in (a) FIGS. 9-13 or 14-16, or (b) FIGS. 17-21 or 22-24, or(c) FIGS. 25-29, or (d) FIGS. 30-34, or (e) FIGS. 35-38, or (f) FIGS.39-43.